Diversity Mentorship Program: Information for medical students

A lack of ethnic diversity exists among dermatology's physician population. This affects ethnic minority patients because they may seek medical care less frequently or when it is too late.

The Diversity Mentorship Program offers hands-on exposure to students who are interested in learning more about the specialty of dermatology through a one-on-one mentorship experience with a dermatologist of the student's choice.

Who should apply: First- through fourth-year medical students who are considered to be underrepresented in medicine* may apply to participate in the American Academy of Dermatology’s Mentorship Program. However, we highly encourage medical students to apply in their 3rd or early 4th year of medical school when they have already decided on dermatology as a career and can use the month-long mentorship experience to work on publications and clinic work in order to receive an advantageous letter of recommendation from their mentor.

*The Academy recognizes the following racial groups as underrepresentedin the field of dermatology (as related to the U.S. population): Black/African-American, Hispanic, Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. Must be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident visa.

This mentorship encompasses 160 hours during the course of one month. Medical students commonly participate in this program in the summer months, but it must be complete by Dec. 1. The mentorship may be completed in a choice of environments such as a medical center, hospital, or private practice. A $1,500 grant will be awarded to assist with travel and living expenses.

Must be a first- through fourth-year medical student who is underrepresented in medicine. We highly encourage third and fourth years to apply to use the experience to work on publications and clinic work.

Must be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident visa. The Academy recognizes the following racial groups as underrepresented in the field of dermatology (as related to the U.S. population):

African-American: Origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.

Latino-Hispanic: Person of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.

American Indian/Alaska Native: Person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America, including Central America, and who maintains a tribal affiliation or community attachment.

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: Origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific islands.

This list of eligible racial and ethnic groups is exclusive. Individuals from other racial or ethnic groups should not apply and will not be considered for this award.

Upon completion of the mentorship program, participants are required tocomplete an online survey evaluating the program and including a brief description of future plans to pursue dermatology.

Application timeline

Applications submitted on or before November 1will be considered in the selection cycle for the following year. Applications submitted after this date will be held for the following year's award cycle.

Application materials

First/second-year medical students:

A copy of your CV/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of good standing from medical school

MCAT scores

Medical school GPA (if n/a then a copy of college GPA-overall & science; pass/fail grades, class rank or status, or grades to date)

Two professional letters of recommendation. Letters must come from professors or a dermatologist physician you have worked with who can attest to your moral character. Letters should not be submitted by family members or employers.

Third/fourth year medical students:

A copy of your CV/Curriculum Vitae

Current medical school transcript

USLME Scores (Step 1 Exam)

Medical school GPA (if n/a then a copy of college GPA-overall & science; pass/fail grades, class rank or status, or grades to date)

Two professional letters of recommendation. Letters must come from professors or a dermatologist physician you have worked with who can attest to your moral character. Letters should not be submitted by family members or employers.